凌ぐ

• Reading: しのぐ
• Romaji: shinogu
• Kanji breakdown: 凌 (ryō/shino) — endure, surpass, overcome
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.no.gɯ/

Meaning

To endure; to weather; to stave off. Also means to surpass or outdo.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb with two distinct meanings. First, to endure hardship or difficult conditions (rain, hunger, cold). Second, to surpass or outperform someone or something. Context determines which meaning applies. Both carry a sense of overcoming through strength or resilience.

Examples

1. 傘がなくて、木の下で雨を凌いだ。 Without an umbrella, I took shelter from the rain under a tree.
2. 少ない食料で飢えを凌ぐしかなかった。 We had no choice but to stave off hunger with the little food we had.
3. 彼の実力は先輩を凌いでいる。 His skills surpass those of his seniors.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, survival, competition

Tone: resilient

Origin & History

The kanji 凌 combines 冫 (ice) with 夌 (climb), suggesting climbing over ice — enduring harsh conditions and rising above them. This dual image captures both the endurance and surpassing meanings.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal